Chapter 025｜The Ice and Fire Royal Family

Everyone was shocked. Especially Li Jing, how could he not figure it out - Xie Kangtu narrowly escaped death nine times before he finally arrived in Jiangling.He kindly presented the atlas, yet to his astonishment, a kid and inexperienced person actually suggested to Emperor Liang to have him killed.

Puzhao said "Amitabha Buddha" in a low voice and got up and said: "Your Highness is well versed in the scriptures and history, is it possible that you don't know the principles of benevolence and righteousness in governing the country? Master Wen andBoat Owner Xie risked their lives to join Liang State, offering their advice and helping Liang State to build a boat division, but Your Highness wants to kill those who are benevolent and righteous, what is the reason for this?" Li Jing saw that this always composed Venerable Master was actually a bit agitated.

Xiao Yu's face was expressionless as he said in a cold voice, "The word benevolence and righteousness is certainly nice, but it is prone to bring disaster.I see that Xiao Mohe Gao Sheng Dao and the others are all treacherous people. They spared the life of the shipowner for two reasons: first, they were certain that the shipowner could not escape; second, they wanted to lure the country of Liang into a trap.Liang State is a weak country with poor people. Even if they get the ship's atlas, how can they build a boat division?The country of Liang is weak and its people are poor; even if they obtain the ship's atlas, how can they build a naval fleet? Where will they get the soldiers and horses, the money and provisions? Rather than letting the precious atlas fall into the hands of a powerful enemy, it's better to destroy it. In this way, neither Sui nor Chen can build large ships, and thus war cannot commence. Sacrificing one person's life in exchange for peace in the three countries - what's wrong with that? 

Xiao Meiniang couldn't stand to listen and scolded, "Seventh brother, don't be ridiculous! Boat Owner Xie is Second Sister's benefactor, how can we repay kindness with ingratitude?"

Xiao Kui glared at Mei Niang and turned his head to ask the teenager who hadn't spoken, "Huan, what do you think?" That teenager was Xiao Kui's third son, Xiao Huan, who was usually extremely conceited. translates to "However, in front of his father, he always behaves properly.

Xiao Huan bowed and said, ''Father, the seventh brother makes sense. However, killing the boat owner Xie does not seem appropriate. Please make a wise decision, Your Majesty."

These words were the same as not saying anything. However, Li Jing is well aware in his heart that Xiao Kui firmly resolved to uphold righteousness and integrity, striving to protect Xie Kangtu, thus offending the powerful Sui and Great Chen.

Xie Kangtu suddenly laughed, "This is a very good method for the young prince, but it should be a sacrifice of half a life for the peace of the three kingdoms."

Xiao Kui frowned tightly and coughed repeatedly. After a long time, he sighed and said: "Boat Owner Xie,it's not that I want to kill you, but the current situation is pressing and leaves no choice! My dear ministers, please offer your advice and help me resolve this crisis."

However, everyone looked at each other, none speaking any further. Seeing the crowd talking and talking, A Yue had long been unable to hold back and asked Xiao Meiniang for food.

Xiao Meiniang picked her up and said, ''Father, I believe the Chen dynasty harbors ill intentions. Their alliance with the Liang state is nothing but a scheme to make us their target. Chen State took advantage of the chaos and robbed the kingdom of Liang, this is a world feud, that Xiao Mohe betrayed his ancestor, that is why he should be arrested ...."Before she could finish her sentence, she heard Xiao Kui let out a broken cry, ''Shut up! When is it your turn to speak? Tell me, what's going on with this girl?"

Xiao Meiniang is usually eloquent and articulate, but in front of her father words are not good, at this time the tears in the eye socket spinning, do not dare to cry out. Puzhao dote on Mei Niang, rushed to take over the words: "This matter poor monks have been in the secret letter to explain, Chen Guo even to a girl poisonous hand, it is clear that the loss of benevolence, sooner or later will die ..."

Xiao Kui naturally had to give face to his fourth uncle, and immediately said in a cold voice: "I naturally know that. However, this is originally a family matter of the Chen Dynasty, what does it have to do with Liang? Meiniang, you are meddling with your own affairs when you can hardly protect yourself!

You bringing this young girl here, you have given Emperor Chen a handle for criticism.. Xiao Mohe killed her whole family. How could he leave her alive? You've been disobedient since you were a child. If you don't think of Liang, you've brought disaster to Liang! I should never have given birth to you in the first place!"

This statement is so hurtful that it pierces through the heart, Xiao Meiniang could no longer hold back and sobbed out. A Yue saw Meiniang crying, also followed bawling.

Xiao Kui was extremely annoyed, sitting down behind the dragon desk with a huff. He grabbed the jade inkstone on the desk and fiercely threw it to the ground. With a 'bang', the inkstone shattered into pieces.

Li Jing's heart was saddened. In the current situation, Xiao Meniang could be punished, and the lives of Xie Kangtu and A Yue were in danger. However, everyone's arguments were reasonable, and as the emperor of a weaker nation, Xiao Kui indeed found himself in a difficult position.

Saw A Yue crying endlessly,Xiao Huan reached for a piece of jade from his waist and took it to her to comfort her: "Little sister, don't cry. Take this and play with it first, later I will take you to the street to buy delicious food." A Yue was originally a child, and after leaving the Shixing Royal Mansion, she was in hiding, with no one to play with her. Seeing this brother's pleasant face, she immediately took the jade and raised her little face, sobbing, "Brother, are you telling the truth?"

"Naturally true." Xiao Huan saw that this girl's eyes were as black as ink, the little face is tender and pink, he couldn't help but feel a sense of affection for her, "Don't be afraid, there are still a lot of fun things in my brother's house, so I'll take you to play with them later."

Xiao Kui was most annoyed by children's cries. When Xiao Meiniang was born, she cried day and night, which once made him want to kill her. After A Yue stopped crying, his mind was slightly calmed and he waved his hand, "Huan take her away immediately! The noise hurts my ears."

Xiao Huan led the way, took A yue's hand, and walked out of the palace.

The atmosphere in the hall remained tense. Even Venerable Master Puzhao and Wen Zhongyuan, who had always been calm and collected, did not know how to reply to Emperor Liang.

Qing Ni who usually likes to talk a lot, has been trembling with fear since she entered the palace, not even daring to cough.

At this time, Li Jing suddenly bowed down, "Since I was a child, I have served Master Sengcan, I am far removed from the mortal world and have limited knowledge. If I have offended Your Majesty in any way, please forgive my transgressions."

Xiao Kui responded with a "Hmm": "You are a disciple of the Divine Monk, so I think you must be wise. Speak freely, I will not blame you."

Li Jing said: ''Your Majesty's overall perspective and far-sightedness is a blessing to the people! At this time of turbulent winds and clouds, I think peace is the most important thing.

 As for the ship's catalogue, I have thought of a method: Boat Owner Xie can still draw the ship's atlas, and so on the chart is finished, two copies of the transcription, one handed over to Sui, one handed over to Chen, Liang left the real book. In this way, Sui and Chen have no truth, and mutual scruples.

 For such large-scale shipbuilding, a single blueprint is not enough. There's also a need for skilled shipbuilders like Mr.Wen Cavalry Adjutant, who are well-versed in water and capable, to train the navy and navigate the ships. By then, although all three countries will possess the treasure map, the competition will hinge on the art of ship navigation, and the situation will be vastly different. At that time, although the three countries have treasure map, but the spell is the method of management's boat, the situation is bound to be very different."

Upon hearing this, everyone's minds became as clear as a mirror: this kid straight to the point, not only provides a solution, but also hidden the method of restraint, can be said to be three in one. Especially Wen Zhongyuan, who felt even more grateful towards Li Jing.

Hearing this, Xiao Kui smiled and said, ''You truly are a disciple of the divine monk! At such a young age, you possess such profound insight! Yu, you read very hard on weekdays, but things in the world are so varied that you can't stick to books, and in the future you'll have to ask this brother for more advice."

Although Liang was a small country, the fact that the emperor allowed the prince to address outsiders as "brother" was clearly an honour to Li Jing.

 Xie Kangtu, Wen Zhongyuan, and Puzhao exchanged glances, all slightly surprised.

Xiao Yu bowed to his father, saying yes under his breath, but when his gaze swept towards Li Jing, it clearly contained a hint of jealousy and resentment.

He said, ''Father's lesson is correct. However, may I ask ... may I ask Brother Mu, what should be done with the legacy daughter of this Chen Kingdom's counter king?"

Li Jing was momentarily startled, then promptly replied, 'In response to the young prince, the matter of the marriage alliance discussed just now... is indeed the best strategy. Shixing Wang rebellion, But the young princess has not committed a crime? Moreover, a girl, grow up is also a woman, can not constitute a threat. However..., the little princess is of noble birth, smart and clever, and will grow up to be beautiful and virtuous, so she can be married to Liang. If the young prince does not give up, it is most suitable ...""You ... are bold!" Xiao Yu was so angry that his small eyes were wide open and he couldn't wait to kill Li Jing.Xiao Kui then said, 'Enough! Yu, he calling you the young prince is a sign of their respect for you. Alright, after the spring sacrifice to the Grand Temple next year, I will confer upon you the title of king. You're still young, the matter of marriage can be considered slowly. I will definitely not force you. However, what Mu Li said is also a good idea among the bad ideas. If this woman had not been brought back by Mei Niang, it would have been fine; but since she has been brought back and then killed by Xiao Mohe, spreading this news would tarnish my reputation for benevolence.Let's handle it this way: first, keep this orphan girl, then clearly express our sincerity. I believe Xiao Mohe will have no choice but to comply.

So the plan was finalised, and the people were about to leave. Xiao Kui suddenly said to Zhang Ke: "The prince's maternal uncle both with Xie boat master, wood Li little priest familiar, to your place to draw charts, but also please Puzhao Venerable Master care. This matter is confidential. Those in the palace who are aware of it today must not speak of it. If anyone violates this, regardless of who they are, I will have them executed!"

Everyone responded in unison". Zhang Ke knelt to receive orders and led Xiao Meiniang and Qing Ni out of the hall.Li Jing, carrying Xie Kangtu, closely followed behind.Wen Zhongyuan was travelling with Puzhao, whispering something.

After leaving the palace and arriving at the market, the sky clouded over and the cold wind swirled dust and debris in the air. Li Jing heard giggling from afar. He saw A Yue holding up a drum, shaking it with a gurgling sound while chasing after Xiao Huan. Xiao Meiniang called out, "A yue, go with sister, no more playing."

A Yue was playing energetically and shook her head, "I want to play with my brother."Xiao Huan paused, gently stroking Ah Yue's head, and whispered something in her ear. Ah Yue pouted, reluctantly walking over to Xiao Mei Niang's side.

After leaving the Water City, Xiao Huan, Wen Zhongyuan and Puzhao bid farewell to Xiao Meniang and his party. The soldiers guarding the city had already prepared a carriage for Zhang Ke outside the city. Li Jing picked up Xie Kangtu and Meiniang carried A Yue and got into the carriage.

Zhang Ke himself drove the carriage north along the muddy road along the river. Halfway there, it started to rain. The rain pitter-pattered on the roof of the carriage. A Yue, probably too tired from playing, quickly fell asleep in Mei Niang's arms.

Li Jing thought about Alone Star. He knew that with the care of the Wu Shan fisherwoman and her's servant, it would be extremely safe, he was still hanging on to his heart. The mission of this trip is to escort Alone Star to Shuzhong safely and fulfil his uncle's order. Unexpectedly, the road is full of danger. However, these experiences have made him no longer a simple boy. In order to survive, he must grit his teeth and cope. This was his first experience in life, something that could not be learned from books.

He looked towards Xiao Meiniang. Meiniang was in a depressed mood, her moth brows were locked, and she had not seen her smile since she arrived at Jiangling.

Li Jing was not good at reading people's words, but he also clearly felt that the Liang Emperor dislike this daughter, and if he did not want Xie Kangtu to go to Zhang Ke's residence to secretly draw a ship's atlas, Mei Niang might have received even more chastisement. Li Jing took a risk in advising Xiao Kui, originally devising this desperate strategy in a moment of urgency to protect Xiao Mei Niang. Unexpectedly, Emperor Liang happily accepted it.

The words Li Jing wanted to comfort her reached his lips, but he couldn't say them.

The carriage travelled slowly, getting further and further away from Jiangling City. At dusk, the rain stopped and the wind stopped, the carriage stopped. Li Jing lifted the curtain to see, in front of him is a not very big courtyard, thick wooden door, mud wall, wall covered with hay. Inside the courtyard, the houses are all covered with hay, It appeared extremely desolate in the misty rain.On the door of the courtyard there are a few grey characters "Listening to the Wind Thatched Cottage", the handwriting is simple and ancient, written on the unpainted wooden boards.

Zhang Ke got off the car and opened the door of the courtyard, a big yellow dog barked and pounced on his master. Zhang Ke stroked the dog's head and said to Xie Kangtu, "Boat owner Xie, other people call it 'shabby house' to be polite, but this grass house of Zhang Mou's is really 'shabby'. Once our family of three leaves, even this watchdog can only look around for food. Please come in." Saying so, he smiled blushingly.

Xie Kangtu crouched on Li Jing's shoulder and laughed, 'The prince's maternal uncle is joking. The word 'listen to the wind' is so wonderful. "This peaceful house, far removed from the worldly dust, has its own unique charm. The prince's maternal uncle will enjoy his tranquil blessings here."

Zhang Ke laughed, "The wind blows here night after night, making it difficult to sleep, so we can only call it 'listening to the wind'."

The group entered the courtyard. Li Jing saw that there were indeed fishing and farming implements in the courtyard, as well as a mill, a water well, a chicken coop, and a stable, Compared to an ordinary farmhouse, it is not much different, just with a few more rooms. However, in comparison to Wen Zhongyuan's villa, it is a world of difference. Zhang Ke unloaded the carriage and led the horses towards the stables, and said to Mei Niang, "You go ahead and attend to the honored guests; Qingni will go and check how much feed is left in the chicken coop."

Xiao Meiniang answered, put down A yue, opened the door and entered the house, rolling up her sleeves to clean up the room. This hall had been unoccupied for a long time, and there was dust everywhere. After Mei Niang greeted Xie Kangtu, she started sweeping.Li Jing couldn't imagine that a princess would live like a peasant woman and have to do the work herself. So he put Xie Kangtu on the low couch and also rolled up his sleeves and followed to clean the room. Mei Niang did not stop him. After Zhang Ke and Qing Ni took care of the poultry and livestock, they also came to help. Ah Yue ran around in the house, very fond of this dwelling.

Li Jing in wiping furniture found that this house although the roof for thatch cover, but the frame is extremely elaborate, everywhere mortise and tenon tightly, can not see a nail; beams, pillars, walls, shelves, and cases, several, couch, cabinets, are made of nan, cypress, sandalwood, camphor and other timber construction, and even the pavement of the floor tiles have to pay attention to the way - or the word, or the word, or the production of money shape, or into the shape of petals, or into the shape of flowers. Even the laying pattern of the floor tiles was meticulous - some were in a herringbone pattern, some in a '工' shape, some in a coin shape, and some were petal-shaped. Li Jing, born into a prestigious family, naturally paid great attention to these details. As he tidied up the utensils, he thought to himself, "Although Zhang Ke appears frail, he possesses exceptional talent in construction. If he were in Chang'an or Jiankang, he could surely handle the responsibility of supervising craftsmen.

In the evening, Zhang Ke set up a banquet to welcome the guests and served thirty years old wine. Xiao Meiniang was an excellent cook, and soon the food was served - smoked fish, fried chicken, roasted meat, crispy cakes, braised greens, stewed dried mushrooms, and so on, all of which were very fragrant. At that time, the north and south of the meal is very different, but are relatively simple. Xiao Meiniang carefully cooked a sumptuous dinner, obviously extremely respectful of the guests. Xie Kangtu was happy and drank a few cups. When Li Jing was in the army, his uncle strictly forbade drinking, but this night he also drank a couple of cups and only felt dizzy, yet in high spirits. A Yue seemed to have not eaten food for a long time, and at this time, she ate and burped. Mei Niang then asked Qingni to carry her to the back hall to play, in order to help digest the food.

After three rounds of drinking, Xie Kangtu raised his glass and said, "Thank you, Princess and the prince's maternal uncle. This time, I encountered misfortune, and it was all thanks to Princess and the prince's maternal uncle for rescuing me. This time, coming to your residence to draw maps, I am going to cause you quite a bit of trouble."

Zhang Ke sighed deeply, "Master Xie, please don't be so formal. As you saw today, Even as the prince's maternal uncle to the nation, I am inferior to a farmer. If it weren't for the emperor's decree inviting Master Xie to draw maps and temporarily stay in my humble abode, perhaps I wouldn't even be able to enter the court today."

Mei Niang said, "My uncle suffered because of me, and as his niece, I only hate myself for not being strong enough ..."

Zhang Ke said indignantly, "Mei Niang must not blame herself. What is your fault that the Emperor treats you like this? The saying of fate is pure nonsense. Your uncle died because he was poisoned by eating a river fish by mistake; your aunt died because she caught a cold. If your presence were harmful to me, how could I remain completely unscathed despite being with you day and night? Whether it's a diviner or a monk or a Taoist priest, if they can really foretell the future and know what's going on in the heavens, doesn't the world then lie in their hands. What's the point of having all the countries in the world trying to cheat each other? What's the need for years of war?"

Mei Niang looked gloomy, picked up the wine and drank a cup, saying: ''Uncle treated me better than my own flesh and blood, Mei Niang will never forget it.

Boat Owner Xie, do you know why I am suffering from a cold disease? After I was born, my mother saw that it was a girl, just threw me on the ground to freeze; father, however, to find too Bu Ling divination, listening to me really crying ferociously, before coming in to take a look. I heard from the eunuchs that they agreed to drown me! Such a father and mother, do not want!" Said the tears like a spring.

Xie Kangtu said: "Princess is not easy, I deeply sympathise; the prince's maternal uncle compassion, I admire them greatly. However, the past has passed with the wind, the princess is getting better, or should focus on the future."

Mei Niang sobbed, "Master Xie, do you think I have a future?Today, in the imperial court, my father first wanted to betroth me to the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Chen, and after being rejected by Xiao Mohe he was so eager to order me to throw myself into the river to kill myself - he never reflected on his own cowardice, and always blamed others for being bad. Since childhood, in addition to the last time on the big boat lost that night pearl is given by him, even a piece of clothing has not been rewarded by him. I hate Liang ... If I am a man, I should learn from the wooden Li brothers to walk the rivers and lakes, even if I freeze to death and starve to death, it is much better than suffering this cold eye!"

Li Jing's heart seemed to have broken into a million pieces when he saw her pitiful appearance. He only hated that he was too young and incompetent to protect Mei Niang.If this woman is really willing to go far away with him, he is willing to give up everything ...

It was at this time that a voice from outside the room said, "In ancient times, all royals were ice and fire, where is the love of brothers and fathers?"